The Ohio Department of Health says it's ready to begin the next phase of swine flu vaccine distribution.
Starting December 14, the department will expand the vaccine eligibility to all Ohioans.
Until then, health officials will continue to focus vaccination efforts exclusively on health care and EMS workers who provide direct patient care – as well as pregnant women, people who live with or care for children less than six months of age; all people 6 months to 24 years; and people 25 to 64 years with chronic medical conditions.
Nearly 2.3 million doses of the vaccine are already available in Ohio, and more is expected to arrive each week.
In addition to being vaccinated, Ohioans can help stop the spread of illness by washing hands thoroughly and often, covering mouths when sneezing or coughing and staying home from work or school if sick.
